With 2026 already underway, many in Paraguay are looking ahead to the year’s public holidays. Across the country, these dates often bring daily routines to a halt. Either for a single day or an extended weekend. Paraguay’s national and public holidays offer a chance to rest, turn off the alarm clock. Or even plan a short road trip and enjoy domestic tourism.
The 2026 calendar includes an important novelty: a newly established national holiday. In addition, current legislation allows the Executive Branch to declare up to three extra public holidays linked to exceptional events. These include major national celebrations, tourism initiatives or Paraguay’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A year of 12 official holidays
The year began, as usual, with New Year’s Day on 1 January. This is a fixed holiday marking the start of the calendar year. The next national holiday comes on 1 March, National Heroes’ Day. This date commemorates the end of the War of the Triple Alliance (1864–1870). The date honours those who fought during the conflict and is marked by civic and cultural events nationwide. In 2026, 1 March falls on a Sunday, meaning the holiday can be in Monday 2 March by presidential decree.
April brings Holy Week, a central period in a predominantly Catholic country as Paraguay. Maundy Thursday (2 April) and Good Friday (3 April) are both public holidays. Many Paraguayans use these days to travel within the country. Others return to their hometowns to spend time with family.
Labour Day on 1 May honours workers and recalls the international struggle for labour rights. This holiday has roots in the Chicago protests of the late nineteenth century. May also features Independence Day celebrations on 14 and 15 May, marking the events of 1811 that led to Paraguay’s independence. In 2026, these dates fall on a Thursday and Friday, therefore creating one of the most anticipated long weekends of the year. A reminder for every son and daughter: Mother’s Day is on the 15th of May.
Paraguay’s national and public holidays after mid-year
The next public holiday is Chaco Armistice Day on 12 June, which in 2026 falls on a Friday. The date commemorates the end of the Chaco War in 1935 and honours those who fought and died during the conflict. Moreover, Paraguay’s first World Cup match after a 16-year absence the same day. As a result, this date may potentially blending historical remembrance with football excitement.
A major addition to the calendar appears in June with the new holiday on 20 June, marking the adoption of Paraguay’s current Constitution in 1992. The date recognises the importance of constitutional order and democratic principles. As it falls on a Saturday in 2026, the holiday may be moved to Monday 22 June, depending on a presidential decision.
Asunción Foundation Day on 15 August commemorates the founding of the capital in 1537. In 2026, the date falls on a Saturday and is unmovable. Later in the year comes Boquerón Battle Victory Day, commemorating Paraguay’s first major victory in the Chaco War in 1932. To learn more about the Chaco War, read Why The Battle Of Boquerón Matters Today. The date falls on a Tuesday in 2026, making it a strong candidate to be shifted to Monday, 27 September, in order to create a long weekend.
December closes the calendar with two unmovable holidays. Virgin of Caacupé Day on 8 December stands as one of the most important religious dates in the country, marked by pilgrimages to the city of Caacupé. Christmas Day on 25 December falls on a Friday in 2026, offering a final long weekend to end the year. After twelve months of work, a last long weekend in 2026 would not hurt anybody.
Long weekends and time to travel
The possibility of shifting certain holidays continues to encourage internal tourism and family travel. Extended weekends allow Paraguayans and visitors to explore different regions of the country, support local economies, and enjoy a slower pace, even if only for a few days.
Keeping an eye on official announcements remains advisable, as additional holidays or adjustments may be declared throughout the year. Whether for rest, reflection, or celebration, the 2026 holiday calendar offers plenty of opportunities to pause, pack a bag, and enjoy the break.
